X-ray scanning system and method

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for scanning an item utilizing an X-ray scanner in order to facilitate a determination of whether the X-ray radiation penetrated through the entirety of the scanned item. Various embodiments comprise a conveying mechanism, an X-ray emitter, a detector, and an X-ray penetration grid (XPG). The XPG may comprise a radiopaque grid that may serve as a reference for determining whether radiation passes through the scanned item, the grid oriented such that the grid members are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the direction of travel. Such orientation may minimize or eliminate “ghosted” radiation signals included in a visual display of the radiation received by the detector. A scanned item may be oriented with the XPG such that radiation emitted by the X-ray emitter that passes through a portion of the scanned item must also pass through the XPG before being received by the detector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation application filing of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/711,736, filed Sep. 21, 2017, whichapplication is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/363,284, filed Nov. 29, 2016, which application is a continuationapplication filing of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/244,708, filedAug. 23, 2016 and now granted U.S. Pat. No. 9,541,667, which grantedpatent is further a divisional filing of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/475,986, filed Sep. 3, 2014, which application further claimspriority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No.61/873,541, filed Sep. 4, 2013, the contents of all of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

X-ray scanning devices have historically been used in both the medicaland security industries. In security applications, X-ray scanningdevices have been used to display the contents of travel bags, shippeditems, and/or the like without requiring personnel to undertake thecumbersome task of unpacking and/or disassembling the item in questionand subsequently re-packing and/or reassembling the item for furtherprocessing. X-ray based security systems have historically been used byairport security entities (e.g., the United States TransportationSecurity Administration) and common carriers (e.g., United ParcelService of America, Federal Express, and/or the like) to detectdifferent types of contraband that may be present in items such asbaggage, shipping packages, shipping containers, and the like.

In operation, X-ray radiation is transmitted through and/or scatteredfrom items within the baggage, packages, containers, and the like.Various systems incorporate a mesh or grid that is placed upon aconveyor belt along which the baggage, packages, containers, and thelike travel during the scanning process. For particularly densely packedbaggage, packages, containers, and the like, it is important that X-rayradiation emitted by an X-ray scanning device penetrate the entirety ofthe scanned item so as to provide a desired degree of certainty that nocontraband exists there-within. Conventional mesh or grid structureshave proven helpful in this regard by placing such adjacent the baggage,package, container, and the like, opposite a directional orientation ofthe X-ray scanning device contained within the system. In this manner,such mesh or grid structures provide a baseline indicator ofpenetration, for example such that if the mesh or grid is visible withina scan, the item has been sufficiently penetrated with the scan forclearance or otherwise.

Although X-ray scanning devices may facilitate the security screeningprocess for items during processing, the physical properties of X-rayradiation and X-ray detectors may, in various circumstances, obscureobjects or components visible in an item scan. In general, X-rayradiation may comprise electromagnetic waves having a wavelength between0.01 and 10 nanometers. Such electromagnetic waves propagate from anX-ray emitter through the item to be scanned, and are collected by adetector positioned opposite the item to be scanned from the X-rayemitter, the detector comprising one or more detector elementsconfigured to measure the intensity of the transmitted radiation (i.e.,the electromagnetic wave) along a radiation ray projected from the X-rayemitter to a detector element. In various embodiments, the one or moredetector elements may comprise solid-state detectors generally utilizedfor digital imaging. The solid-state detectors may comprise aluminescent conversion layer, for example, a scintillator (e.g., acesium iodide scintillator) in which the radiation received by thesolid-state detector causes the scintillator to generate light pulses,which may subsequently be converted into digital signals that may betransmitted to a user device and displayed via a display device.

In various circumstances, such conversion layers may maintain or trapradiation, and therefore cause “ghost” images to be created insubsequent intensity signals. Such trapping effects may be caused by,for example, incomplete charge dissipation or low induced energy levelsthat do not decay prior to receiving additional radiation for asubsequent scan. These residual signals from a previous image remain inthe detector and are superimposed on a later generated image. Sucheffects may become more obvious as the time between successive images isdecreased, and the time for previously trapped charge accumulation todecay is likewise decreased. Moreover, stronger electromagnetic signalsreceived by the detector elements may require additional time for theresidual electromagnetic signal to decay between images.

As an item to be scanned moves to a scanning location within an X-rayscanning device, the X-ray scanning device may cause ghosted streaks toappear in a generated image. These ghosted streaks may appear as solidlines resembling radiopaque objects present within the scanned item.Where a radiopaque bar or other thin radiopaque object is oriented atleast substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the item,ghosted streaks may appear to extend the length of the radiopaqueobject. Such ghosted streaks may cause an operator viewing the generatedimage to believe that the X-ray beam penetrated completely through aradiopaque object. Therefore, the operator may erroneously determinethat the scanned item is clear of any prohibited items even though acomplete scan was not performed on the item.

When associating a mesh or grid structure with items to be scanned, theghosting phenomenon described above may inadvertently cause at least aportion of the mesh or grid structure to appear visible in the createdimage, although the electromagnetic waves did not penetrate completelythrough the item. For example, ghosted streaks may appear to extend atleast a portion of the grid elements in the created image and theresulting image may therefore show these ghosted streaks superimposedover items even where the electromagnetic waves did not penetratecompletely through the item. Thus, the mesh or grid structure may be“ghosted” (i.e., appear) in a resulting scan image, even where the itembeing scanned has not, in reality, been fully (or sufficiently)penetrated to actually detect all portions of the conventional mesh orgrid. Consequently, personnel viewing the created image may be led tobelieve that a complete scan through the entirety of an item wasachieved. This “ghosting” phenomena is referred to herein as “ghosting,”“ghosting lines,” “ghost lines,” “ghost images,” “ghosted images,”“ghost radiation,” “ghost signals,” and/or “ghosted lines,” all of whichas should be understood to generally and interchangeably describe thisphenomena.

Historically, efforts to reduce the impact of ghosting have focused oncreating improved detector elements, or incorporating complex algorithmsutilized to minimize the impact of ghosting. However, such solutions areprone to errors due at least in part to electromagnetic noise and otherimperfections in the received signal. For example, even where grids areused, if such are oriented in a manner that results in the grid linesthereof being parallel to the direction of travel, ghosted lines mayappear, although such may contain certain distortions therein. Whileusers could conceivably identify such distortions, the risk of a useroverlooking a particular distortion remains prevalent. Thus, a needexists for improved mesh or grid structures that substantially minimizethe impact of “ghosting” so as to ensure sufficient penetration of allscanned items without resorting to secondary item handling and the like.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to X-raydetector systems for determining the contents of an item. The X-raydetector systems may comprise: (1) an X-ray emitter configured foremitting X-ray radiation; (2) a detector comprising a receiving surface,the detector configured to receive the X-ray radiation and to generateone or more intensity signals indicative of an intensity of the receivedX-ray radiation at each of a plurality of locations on the receivingsurface; (3) an X-ray penetration grid comprising a first grid structurecomprising: a perimeter surrounding the X-ray penetration grid having atleast a first side, said first side being oriented in a first primarydirection; a first plurality of parallel grid members each having afirst end and a second end; and a second plurality of parallel gridmembers each having a first end and a second end; wherein: the firstplurality of parallel grid members are coincident with a first plane;the second plurality of parallel grid members are coincident with asecond plane; the first plane and the second plane are parallel; thefirst end and the second end of each of the first plurality of parallelgrid members intersects the perimeter at an angle such that the firstplurality of parallel grid members are neither parallel norperpendicular to the first side of the perimeter; and the first end andthe second end of each of the second plurality of parallel grid membersintersects the perimeter at an angle such that the second plurality ofparallel grid members are neither parallel nor perpendicular to thefirst side of the perimeter; and (4) a conveying mechanism configuredfor conveying the item and the X-ray penetration grid in a secondprimary direction to a location between the X-ray emitter and thedetector, said second primary direction being substantially the same asthe first primary of direction.

Other embodiments of the present invention are direct to computerimplemented methods for scanning an item. The computer implementedmethod comprising steps for: (1) receiving, via a processor, one or morefirst intensity signals indicative of a first intensity of X-rayradiation received at each of a plurality of locations at a first scantime on a detector, wherein: the detector is configured to receive X-rayradiation from an X-ray emitter and to generate the one or moreintensity signals indicative of an intensity of the received X-rayradiation at each of a plurality of locations on the receiving surface;the X-ray radiation is emitted from the X-ray emitter and at least aportion of the X-ray radiation passes through the item and an X-raypenetration grid before being received by the detector, wherein: theX-ray penetration grid comprises a first grid structure comprising: aperimeter surrounding the X-ray penetration grid having at least a firstside, said first side being oriented in a first primary direction; afirst plurality of parallel grid members each having a first end and asecond end; and a second plurality of parallel grid members each havinga first end and a second end; wherein: the first plurality of parallelgrid members are coincident with a first plane; the second plurality ofparallel grid members are coincident with a second plane; the firstplane and the second plane are at least substantially parallel; thefirst end and the second end of each of the first plurality of parallelgrid members intersects the perimeter at an angle such that the firstplurality of parallel grid members are neither parallel norperpendicular to the first side of the perimeter; and the first end andthe second end of each of the second plurality of parallel grid membersintersects the perimeter at an angle such that the second plurality ofparallel grid members are neither parallel nor perpendicular to thefirst side of the perimeter; and the item and the X-ray penetration gridare propelled in a second primary direction, said second primarydirection being substantially the same as the first primary direction;(2) causing, via a display device, display of the one or more firstintensity signals; (3) receiving, via the processor, one or more secondintensity signals indicative of one or more ghosted image extending froman edge of the item; (4) causing, via the display device, display of theone or more second intensity signals, wherein the displayed secondintensity signals comprises a radiation ghost based at least in part onthe one or more ghosted image; and (5) identifying, via the one or moreprocessors, the presence of a radiation ghost based at least in part onthe second intensity signals.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention are directed to X-raypenetration grids comprising a first grid structure comprising: (1) aperimeter surrounding the grid structure having at least a first side;(2) a first plurality of parallel grid members each having a first endand a second end; and (3) a second plurality of parallel grid memberseach having a first end and a second end; wherein: the first pluralityof parallel grid members are coincident with a first plane; the secondplurality of parallel grid members are coincident with a second plane;the first plane and the second plane are parallel; the first end and thesecond end of each of the first plurality of parallel grid membersintersects the perimeter at an angle such that the first plurality ofparallel grid members are neither parallel nor perpendicular to thefirst side of the perimeter; and the first end and the second end ofeach of the second plurality of parallel grid members intersects theperimeter at an angle such that the second plurality of parallel gridmembers are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the first side of theperimeter. In various embodiments, the X-ray penetration grid mayadditionally comprise a second grid structure comprising: (1) a secondperimeter surrounding the second grid structure having at least a firstside; (2) a third plurality of parallel grid members each having a firstend and a second end; and (3) a fourth plurality of parallel gridmembers each having a first end and a second end; wherein the thirdplurality of parallel grid members are coincident with a third plane;the fourth plurality of parallel grid members are coincident with afourth plane; the third plane and the fourth plane are parallel; thefirst end and the second end of each of the third plurality of parallelgrid members intersects the second perimeter at an angle such that thethird plurality of parallel grid members are neither parallel norperpendicular to the first side of the second perimeter; the first endand the second end of each of the fourth plurality of parallel gridmembers intersects the perimeter at an angle such that the fourthplurality of parallel grid members are neither parallel norperpendicular to the first side of the second perimeter; and the thirdplane and the fourth plane are perpendicular to the first plane and thesecond plane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of a server according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary mobile deviceaccording to various embodiments;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an X-ray Penetration Grid according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates another X-ray Penetration Grid according to variousembodiments;

FIGS. 5A-5B are schematic diagrams of an X-ray Penetration Grid usedwith an X-ray scanner and a corresponding visual display according tovarious embodiments;

FIGS. 6A-6B are schematic diagrams of an X-ray Penetration Grid usedwith an X-ray scanner and a corresponding visual display according tovarious embodiments;

FIGS. 7A-7B are schematic diagrams of an X-ray Penetration Grid usedwith an X-ray scanner and a corresponding visual display according tovarious embodiments;

FIGS. 8A-8B are schematic diagrams of an X-ray Penetration Grid usedwith an X-ray scanner and a corresponding visual display according tovarious embodiments;

FIGS. 9A-9B are schematic diagrams of an X-ray Penetration Grid usedwith an X-ray scanner and a corresponding visual display according tovarious embodiments;

FIG. 10A illustrates a block diagram of a method of using an X-rayPenetration Grid according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 10B is a schematic block diagram of a process flow as may beimplemented via an visual module, an analysis module, and a notificationmodule, as each are also illustrated in FIG. 2A according to variousembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Overview

Various embodiments are directed to a system for identifying radiopaqueobjects present in an item scanned using an X-ray scanning device. Thesystem may comprise an X-ray scanning device comprising an X-ray emitterand a detector, a conveying mechanism, and an X-ray penetration grid.The X-ray penetration grid may comprise a radiopaque grid oriented suchthat the radiopaque grid elements are neither parallel nor perpendicularto the direction of travel of the conveying mechanism. In use, the itemto be scanned is oriented relative to the X-ray penetration grid suchthat, when the item and X-ray penetration grid are located between theX-ray emitter and the detector, X-ray waves produced by the X-rayemitter that pass through the item to be scanned must also pass throughthe X-ray penetration grid before reaching the detector. Because theradiopaque grid elements are evenly spaced apart and neither parallelnor perpendicular to the direction of travel of the conveying mechanism,no ghosted grid elements are visible in the generated image, such thatradiopaque objects contained in a scanned item are easily and/oraccurately identified in the generated image.

Moreover, various embodiments are directed to methods for identifyingradiopaque objects present in an item scanned using an X-ray scanningdevice. An item is placed on a conveying mechanism with an X-raypenetration grid, and is propelled into an X-ray scanner device. As theitem and X-ray penetration grid is scanned, a detector receivesradiation emitted from an X-ray emitter that corresponds to the relativeintensity of the radiation penetrating the item and X-ray penetrationgrid and generates intensity signals indicative of the relativeintensity of the radiation received at various locations on thedetector. The detector then converts the signals indicative of therelative intensity of the received radiation into visible signals, whichmay be transmitted via a network to one or more computing devices. Incertain embodiments the X-Ray scanning device may be configured to scanmultiple slices of each scanned item corresponding to differentlocations along the length of the scanned item (the length of thescanned item being parallel to the direction of travel). The one or morecomputing devices subsequently display the visible signals to a usermonitoring the X-ray scanning device by piecing together the individualslices of the item. At least in part because the radiopaque gridelements are spaced evenly and are neither parallel nor perpendicular tothe direction of travel of the conveying mechanism, the ghost lines aresubstantially, and in certain embodiments entirely, eliminated such thatvirtually no ghost lines are visible in the displayed visual image.

Exemplary Apparatuses, Methods, Systems, Computer Program Products, &Computing Entities

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in various ways,including as computer program products. A computer program product mayinclude a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storingapplications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, programcode, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machinecode, executable instructions, and/or the like (also referred to hereinas executable instructions, instructions for execution, program code,and/or similar terms used herein interchangeably). Such non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media include all computer-readable media(including volatile and non-volatile media).

In one embodiment, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium mayinclude a floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, solid-state storage(SSS) (e.g., a solid state drive (SSD), solid state card (SSC), solidstate module (SSM)), enterprise flash drive, magnetic tape, or any othernon-transitory magnetic medium, and/or the like. A non-volatilecomputer-readable storage medium may also include a punch card, papertape, optical mark sheet (or any other physical medium with patterns ofholes or other optically recognizable indicia), compact disc read onlymemory (CD-ROM), compact disc compact disc-rewritable (CD-RW), digitalversatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (BD), any other non-transitoryoptical medium, and/or the like. Such a non-volatile computer-readablestorage medium may also include read-only memory (ROM), programmableread-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flashmemory (e.g., Serial, NAND, NOR, and/or the like), multimedia memorycards (MMC), secure digital (SD) memory cards, SmartMedia cards,CompactFlash (CF) cards, Memory Sticks, and/or the like. Further, anon-volatile computer-readable storage medium may also includeconductive-bridging random access memory (CBRAM), phase-change randomaccess memory (PRAM), ferroelectric random-access memory (FeRAM),non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM), magnetoresistiverandom-access memory (MRAM), resistive random-access memory (RRAM),Silicon-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon memory (SONOS), floating junctiongate random access memory (FJG RAM), Millipede memory, racetrack memory,and/or the like.

In one embodiment, a volatile computer-readable storage medium mayinclude random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM),static random access memory (SRAM), fast page mode dynamic random accessmemory (FPM DRAM), extended data-out dynamic random access memory (EDODRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double datarate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), double datarate type two synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR2 SDRAM),double data rate type three synchronous dynamic random access memory(DDR3 SDRAM), Rambus dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), TwinTransistor RAM (TTRAM), Thyristor RAM (T-RAM), Zero-capacitor (Z-RAM),Rambus in-line memory module (RIMM), dual in-line memory module (DIMM),single in-line memory module (SIMM), video random access memory VRAM,cache memory (including various levels), flash memory, register memory,and/or the like. It will be appreciated that where embodiments aredescribed to use a computer-readable storage medium, other types ofcomputer-readable storage media may be substituted for or used inaddition to the computer-readable storage media described above.

As should be appreciated, various embodiments of the present inventionmay also be implemented as methods, apparatus, systems, computingdevices, computing entities, and/or the like. As such, embodiments ofthe present invention may take the form of an apparatus, system,computing device, computing entity, and/or the like executinginstructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium to performcertain steps or operations. However, embodiments of the presentinvention may also take the form of an entirely hardware embodimentperforming certain steps or operations.

Various embodiments are described below with reference to block diagramsand flowchart illustrations of apparatuses, methods, systems, andcomputer program products. It should be understood that each block ofany of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, maybe implemented in part by computer program instructions, e.g., aslogical steps or operations executing on a processor in a computingsystem. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto acomputer, such as a special purpose computer or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a specifically-configured machine, suchthat the instructions which execute on the computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus implement the functions specifiedin the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the functionality specified in theflowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also beloaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatusto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computeror other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implementedprocess such that the instructions that execute on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport various combinations for performing the specified functions,combinations of operations for performing the specified functions andprogram instructions for performing the specified functions. It shouldalso be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, could be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions oroperations, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

Exemplary Architecture of System 20

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an X-ray penetration system 20 that can beused in conjunction with various embodiments of the present invention.In at least the illustrated embodiment, the system 20 may include one ormore central computing devices 110, one or more distributed computingdevices 120, one or more distributed handheld or mobile devices 300, andat least one conveying mechanism 140 and X-ray penetration grid 150, allconfigured in communication with a central server 200 via one or morenetworks 130. While FIG. 1 illustrates the various system entities asseparate, standalone entities, the various embodiments are not limitedto this particular architecture.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the one ormore networks 130 may be capable of supporting communication inaccordance with any of a number of second-generation (2G), 2.5G,third-generation (3G), and/or fourth-generation (4G) mobilecommunication protocols, or the like. More particularly, the one or morenetworks 130 may be capable of supporting communication in accordancewith 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (TDMA), GSM, and IS-95(CDMA). Also, for example, the one or more networks 130 may be capableof supporting communication in accordance with 2.5G wirelesscommunication protocols GPRS, Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), orthe like. In addition, for example, the one or more networks 130 may becapable of supporting communication in accordance with 3G wirelesscommunication protocols such as Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS)network employing Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) radioaccess technology. Some narrow-band AMPS (NAMPS), as well as TACS,network(s) may also benefit from embodiments of the present invention,as should dual or higher mode mobile stations (e.g., digital/analog orTDMA/CDMA/analog phones). As yet another example, each of the componentsof the system 5 may be configured to communicate with one another inaccordance with techniques such as, for example, radio frequency (RF),Bluetooth™, infrared (IrDA), or any of a number of different wired orwireless networking techniques, including a wired or wireless PersonalArea Network (“PAN”), Local Area Network (“LAN”), Metropolitan AreaNetwork (“MAN”), Wide Area Network (“WAN”), or the like.

Although the device(s) 110-300 are illustrated in FIG. 1 ascommunicating with one another over the same network 130, these devicesmay likewise communicate over multiple, separate networks.

According to one embodiment, in addition to receiving data from theserver 200, the distributed devices 110, 120, 140, and/or 300 may befurther configured to collect and transmit data on their own. In variousembodiments, the devices 110, 120, 140, and/or 300 may be capable ofreceiving data via one or more input units or devices, such as a keypad,touchpad, barcode scanner, radio frequency identification (RFID) reader,interface card (e.g., modem, etc.) or receiver. The devices 110, 120,140, and/or 300 may further be capable of storing data to one or morevolatile or non-volatile memory modules, and outputting the data via oneor more output units or devices, for example, by displaying data to theuser operating the device, or by transmitting data, for example over theone or more networks 130.

Exemplary Server 200

In various embodiments, the server 200 includes various systems forperforming one or more functions in accordance with various embodimentsof the present invention, including those more particularly shown anddescribed herein. It should be understood, however, that the server 200might include a variety of alternative devices for performing one ormore like functions, without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. For example, at least a portion of the server 200, incertain embodiments, may be located on the distributed device(s) 110,120, 140 and/or the handheld or mobile device(s) 300, as may bedesirable for particular applications. As will be described in furtherdetail below, in at least one embodiment, the handheld or mobiledevice(s) 300 may contain one or more mobile applications 330 which maybe configured so as to provide a user interface for communication withthe server 200, all as will be likewise described in further detailbelow.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of the server 200 according to variousembodiments. The server 200 includes a processor 230 that communicateswith other elements within the server via a system interface or bus 235.Also included in the server 200 is a display/input device 250 forreceiving and displaying data. This display/input device 250 may be, forexample, a keyboard or pointing device that is used in combination witha monitor. The server 200 further includes memory 220, which preferablyincludes both read only memory (ROM) 226 and random access memory (RAM)222. The server's ROM 226 is used to store a basic input/output system224 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transferinformation between elements within the server 200. Various ROM and RAMconfigurations have been previously described herein.

In addition, the server 200 includes at least one storage device orprogram storage 210, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, aCD Rom drive, or optical disk drive, for storing information on variouscomputer-readable media, such as a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk,or a CD-ROM disk. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in theart, each of these storage devices 210 are connected to the system bus235 by an appropriate interface. The storage devices 210 and theirassociated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage for apersonal computer. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill inthe art, the computer-readable media described above could be replacedby any other type of computer-readable media known in the art. Suchmedia include, for example, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards,digital video disks, and Bernoulli cartridges.

Although not shown, according to an embodiment, the storage device 210and/or memory of the server 200 may further provide the functions of adata storage device, which may store historical and/or current deliverydata and delivery conditions that may be accessed by the server 200. Inthis regard, the storage device 210 may comprise one or more databases.The term “database” refers to a structured collection of records or datathat is stored in a computer system, such as via a relational database,hierarchical database, or network database and as such, should not beconstrued in a limiting fashion.

A number of program modules 400, 425, 450 comprising, for example, oneor more computer-readable program code portions executable by theprocessor 230, may be stored by the various storage devices 210 andwithin RAM 222. Such program modules may also include an operatingsystem 280. In these and other embodiments, the various modules 400,425, 450 control certain aspects of the operation of the server 200 withthe assistance of the processor 230 and operating system 280. Forexample, a Visual Module 400 may be configured to covert signalsreceived from the X-ray scanning device 140 into visible signals to bedisplayed via the display/input device 250; an Analysis Module 425 maybe configured to identify a visual ghosting phenomenon; and aNotification Module 450 may be configured to notify relevant personnelof the presence of a ghosting phenomenon in a presented visual display.In still other embodiments, it should be understood that one or moreadditional and/or alternative modules may also be provided, withoutdeparting from the scope and nature of the present invention.

In various embodiments, the program modules 400, 425, 450 are executedby the server 200 and are configured to generate one or more graphicaluser interfaces, reports, instructions, and/or notifications/alerts, allaccessible and/or transmittable to various users of the system 20. Incertain embodiments, the user interfaces, reports, instructions, and/ornotifications/alerts may be accessible via one or more networks 130,which may include the Internet or other feasible communications network,as previously discussed.

In various embodiments, it should also be understood that one or more ofthe modules 400, 425, 450 may be alternatively and/or additionally(e.g., in duplicate) stored locally on one or more of the devices 110,120, 140, and/or 300 and may be executed by one or more processors ofthe same. According to various embodiments, the modules 400, 425, 450may send data to, receive data from, and utilize data contained in oneor more databases, which may be comprised of one or more separate,linked and/or networked databases.

Also located within the server 200 is a network interface 260 forinterfacing and communicating with other elements of the one or morenetworks 130. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the artthat one or more of the server 200 components may be locatedgeographically remotely from other server components. Furthermore, oneor more of the server 200 components may be combined, and/or additionalcomponents performing functions described herein may also be included inthe server.

While the foregoing describes a single processor 230, as one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize, the server 200 may comprise multipleprocessors operating in conjunction with one another to perform thefunctionality described herein. In addition to the memory 220, theprocessor 230 can also be connected to at least one interface or othermeans for displaying, transmitting and/or receiving data, content or thelike. In this regard, the interface(s) can include at least onecommunication interface or other means for transmitting and/or receivingdata, content or the like, as well as at least one user interface thatcan include a display and/or a user input interface, as will bedescribed in further detail below. The user input interface, in turn,can comprise any of a number of devices allowing the entity to receivedata from a user, such as a keypad, a touch display, a joystick or otherinput device.

Still further, while reference is made to the “server” 200, as one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize, embodiments of the presentinvention are not limited to traditionally defined server architectures.Still further, the system of embodiments of the present invention is notlimited to a single server, or similar network entity or mainframecomputer system. Other similar architectures including one or morenetwork entities operating in conjunction with one another to providethe functionality described herein may likewise be used withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the presentinvention. For example, a mesh network of two or more personal computers(PCs), similar electronic devices, or handheld portable devices,collaborating with one another to provide the functionality describedherein in association with the server 200 may likewise be used withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the presentinvention.

According to various embodiments, many individual steps of a process mayor may not be carried out utilizing the computer systems and/or serversdescribed herein, and the degree of computer implementation may vary, asmay be desirable and/or beneficial for one or more particularapplications.

Distributed Handheld (or Mobile) Device(s) 300

FIG. 2B provides an illustrative schematic representative of a mobiledevice 300 that can be used in conjunction with various embodiments ofthe present invention. Mobile devices 300 can be operated by variousparties. As shown in FIG. 2B, a mobile device 300 may include an antenna312, a transmitter 304 (e.g., radio), a receiver 306 (e.g., radio), anda processing element 308 that provides signals to and receives signalsfrom the transmitter 304 and receiver 306, respectively.

The signals provided to and received from the transmitter 304 and thereceiver 306, respectively, may include signaling data in accordancewith an air interface standard of applicable wireless systems tocommunicate with various entities, such as the server 200, thedistributed devices 110, 120, 140 and/or the like. In this regard, themobile device 300 may be capable of operating with one or more airinterface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, andaccess types. More particularly, the mobile device 300 may operate inaccordance with any of a number of wireless communication standards andprotocols. In a particular embodiment, the mobile device 300 may operatein accordance with multiple wireless communication standards andprotocols, such as GPRS, UMTS, CDMA2000, 1×RTT, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, LTE,E-UTRAN, EVDO, HSPA, HSDPA, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, UWB, IR protocols, Bluetoothprotocols, USB protocols, and/or any other wireless protocol.

Via these communication standards and protocols, the mobile device 300may according to various embodiments communicate with various otherentities using concepts such as Unstructured Supplementary Service data(USSD), Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS),Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency Signaling (DTMF), and/or Subscriber IdentityModule Dialer (SIM dialer). The mobile device 300 can also downloadchanges, add-ons, and updates, for instance, to its firmware, software(e.g., including executable instructions, applications, programmodules), and operating system.

According to one embodiment, the mobile device 300 may include alocation determining device and/or functionality. For example, themobile device 300 may include a GPS module adapted to acquire, forexample, latitude, longitude, altitude, geocode, course, and/or speeddata. In one embodiment, the GPS module acquires data, sometimes knownas ephemeris data, by identifying the number of satellites in view andthe relative positions of those satellites.

The mobile device 300 may also comprise a user interface (that caninclude a display 316 coupled to a processing element 308) and/or a userinput interface (coupled to a processing element 308). The user inputinterface can comprise any of a number of devices allowing the mobiledevice 300 to receive data, such as a keypad 318 (hard or soft), a touchdisplay, voice or motion interfaces, or other input device. Inembodiments including a keypad 318, the keypad can include (or causedisplay of) the conventional numeric (0-9) and related keys (#, *), andother keys used for operating the mobile device 300 and may include afull set of alphabetic keys or set of keys that may be activated toprovide a full set of alphanumeric keys. In addition to providing input,the user input interface can be used, for example, to activate ordeactivate certain functions, such as screen savers and/or sleep modes.

The mobile device 300 can also include volatile storage or memory 322and/or non-volatile storage or memory 324, which can be embedded and/ormay be removable. For example, the non-volatile memory may be ROM, PROM,EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, MMCs, SD memory cards, Memory Sticks,CBRAM, PRAM, FeRAM, RRAM, SONOS, racetrack memory, and/or the like. Thevolatile memory may be RAM, DRAM, SRAM, FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDRSDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, RDRAM, RIMM, DIMM, SIMM, VRAM, cachememory, register memory, and/or the like. The volatile and non-volatilestorage or memory can store databases, database instances, databasemapping systems, data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts,source code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code,machine code, executable instructions, and/or the like to implement thefunctions of the mobile device 300.

The mobile device 300 may also include one or more of a camera 326 and amobile application 330. The camera 326 may be configured according tovarious embodiments as an additional and/or alternative data collectionfeature, whereby one or more items may be read, stored, and/ortransmitted by the mobile device 300 via the camera. The mobileapplication 330 may further provide a feature via which various tasksmay be performed with the mobile device 300. Various configurations maybe provided, as may be desirable for one or more users of the mobiledevice 300 and the system 20 as a whole.

X-ray Penetration Grid (XPG)

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an exemplary XPG 150 according to variousembodiments. As shown therein, an XPG 150 may comprise a frame 151, afirst plurality of grid members 152, and a second plurality of gridmembers 152. In various embodiments, one or more handles 154 may becoupled to the frame 151 to facilitate transportation of the XPG 150. Invarious embodiments, an XPG 150 may comprise 4 or more handles 154. Suchhandles 154 may be located at least substantially near the center pointof each side of the XPG 150. Alternatively, such handles may be locatedat least substantially near each corner of the XPG 150. Any of a varietyof configurations and handle locations as maybe desirable are possible.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of an XPG 150 according to variousembodiments. As shown therein, the frame 151 may be at leastsubstantially rectangular, and may be at least substantially square inshape, although substantially any shape may be utilized. As anon-limiting example, the sides of the XPG 150 need not be parallel orperpendicular, and may have a parallelogram shape. In variousembodiments, the XPG 150 may be sized such that the XPG fits onto aconveying mechanism 141, onto a pallet, onto a trailer, or onto othervehicles that may travel through an X-ray scanning device 140 with anitem 10 to be scanned. As non-limiting examples, the sides of the XPG150 may be at least substantially 800 mm in length, or at leastsubstantially 516 mm in length.

In various embodiments, the first plurality of grid members 152 andsecond plurality of grid members 153 may each comprise a plurality of atleast substantially parallel grid members spaced at substantiallyequivalent intervals (e.g., 1 inch). Alternatively, the first pluralityof grid members 152 may comprise a plurality of at least substantiallyparallel grid members spaced at varying intervals. Likewise, the secondplurality of grid members 153 may comprise a plurality of at leastsubstantially parallel grid members spaced at varying intervals.Moreover, the first plurality of grid members 152 may be spaced atintervals different from the spacing intervals of the second pluralityof grid members 153, such that the resulting spaces between the gridmembers have varying side lengths. As a non-limiting example, the spacesbetween the grid members 152, 153 may be rectangular in shape and havemultiple side lengths.

The first plurality of grid members 152 may reside within a first planethat is parallel to, and spaced apart from, a second plane in which thesecond plurality of grid members 153 resides. Alternatively, the firstplane and second plane may be coincident, such that the first pluralityof grid members 152 and second plurality of grid members 153 reside in asingle plane.

In various embodiments, the grid members 152, 153 may be elongated rodshaving a circular cross-section (as described herein), although any of avariety of cross-sectional shapes may be utilized (e.g., square,rectangular, triangular, circular, and/or the like). The first pluralityof grid members 152 and second plurality of grid members 153 may becoupled to the frame 151 of the XPG 150 using one or more fasteners. Asa non-limiting example, such fasteners may comprise a weld, anultrasonic weld, an adhesive, a screw, a bolt, and/or the like.Similarly, one or more of the first plurality of grid members 152 may becoupled to one or more of the second plurality of grid members 153 usingone or more fasteners such as those described above. In variousembodiments, one or more of the first plurality of grid members 152 maybe coupled (e.g., welded) to one or more of the second plurality of gridmembers 153 at one or more cross points defined as each location withinthe XPG 150 where one of the first plurality of grid members 152 is incontact with one of the second plurality of grid members 153. As anon-limiting example, the first plurality of grid members 152 is coupled(e.g., welded) to the second plurality of grid members 153 at each crosspoint.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first plurality of grid members 152crosses the second plurality of grid members 153 at an angle γ. Invarious embodiments, the angle γ is between 75 degrees and 105 degrees,although preferably at least substantially 90 degrees. In variousembodiments, the first plurality of grid members 152 and secondplurality of grid members 153 may have at least substantially equivalentspacing, such that the resulting gaps within the grid or mesh structureare at least substantially square (e.g., 1 inch squares). Moreover, thefirst plurality of grid members 152 and second plurality of grid members153 intersect the frame 151 at angles α and β, respectively. In variousembodiments, angles α and β are between 30 degrees and 55 degrees,although preferably at least substantially 45 degrees. In variousembodiments where angle γ is 90 degrees, angles α and β may beequivalent. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the XPG 150 may have a length land a width w. In various embodiments the length l and width w may be atleast substantially equivalent, such that the XPG 150 is square inshape. As non-limiting examples, the length l and width w may be 800 mmor 516 mm. However, the length l and width w need not be equivalent.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of an XPG 150 according to variousembodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the frame 151 may have athickness t_(frame) sized such that t_(frame) is at least as large asthe combined diameter, width, thickness, height, or other words usedherein, of the first plurality of grid members 152 and second pluralityof grid members 153. In various embodiments, the first plurality of gridmembers 152 and second plurality of grid members 153 may be in separateparallel planes, such that the first plurality of grid members 152 maybe substantially adjacent the second plurality of grid members 153 suchthat the first plurality of grid members is above the second pluralityof grid members when the XPG 150 is placed horizontally. Alternatively,the first plurality of grid members 152 and second plurality of gridmembers 153 may be in coincident planes, such that segments of each ofthe second plurality of grid members resides between each of the firstplurality of grid members, or vice versa. As a non-limiting example, thesecond plurality of grid members 153 may be discontinuous elements, suchthat segments of each of the second plurality of grid members residesbetween continuous grid members of the first plurality of grid members152. Where the first plurality of grid members 152 and second pluralityof grid members 153 reside in different planes, each of the plurality ofgrid members 152, 153 may be continuous elements.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary cross sectional view of a grid membersuch as that in the first plurality of grid members 152 and secondplurality of grid members 153. As shown therein, the grid members 152,153 may have an at least substantially circular cross section, althoughany of a variety of cross-sectional shapes may be utilized (e.g.,square, rectangular, triangular, circular, and/or the like).

Moreover, the first plurality of grid members 152 and second pluralityof grid members 153 may be radiopaque, such that radiation does not passthrough the grid members. As a non-limiting example, the grid members152, 153 may comprise 6 mm diameter solid steel bars configured toprevent X-ray radiation from passing through the grid members.Alternatively, any of a variety of radiopaque materials (e.g., lead) andconfigurations (e.g., hollow bars) may be utilized.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of an XPG assembly 550 according to variousembodiments. As shown in FIG. 4, the XPG assembly 550 may comprise afirst grid portion 551, a second grid portion 552, and one or moresupports 553. In various embodiments, the first grid portion 551 andsecond grid portion 552 may be in a perpendicular arrangement, and thesupport 553 may be configured to maintain the perpendicular arrangement.In various embodiments, a first end portion of the support 553 may becoupled to the first grid portion 551 using one or more fasteners suchas those described above and a second end portion of the support may becoupled to the second grid portion 552 using one or more fasteners suchas those described above. As a non-limiting example, the one or morefasteners may comprise a weld, an ultrasonic weld, an adhesive, a screw,a bolt, and/or the like. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the XPGassembly 550 may be coupled to a support structure 554 or othertransport vehicle. As non-limiting examples, such transport vehicles maycomprise wooden pallets, plastic pallets, trailers, containers, crates,boxes, cages, luggage, cases, and/or the like. In various embodiments,the support structure 554 may be configured to facilitate movement ofthe XPG assembly 550 via a fork-truck without a separate pallet.

As previously mentioned, various embodiments described herein provide aunique XPG 150 that may be oriented relative to an X-ray scanning device140 to ensure that the entire contents of a scanned item 10 have beenpenetrated. In addition to comprising radiopaque grid elements orientedso as to substantially prevent or minimize a ghosting phenomenon, thegrid elements may provide a reference indicative of a unit of measure.For example, the grid elements may be spaced to form 1 inch squarespaces there-between and may be utilized as a length reference for anitem 10 being scanned.

The density of the material used within the mesh or grid structure isfurther sufficiently thick to absorb X-ray radiation penetrating theitem(s) 10 being scanned (i.e., radiopaque), such that the mesh or gridstructure appears in any resulting scanned image in an accurate andreliable manner only when the item(s) have been fully penetrated by theX-ray radiation 145 imposed thereon. In various embodiments, thematerial used within the mesh or grid structure is mild steel(plain-carbon steel), although any radiopaque material may be utilized.The mild steel used within the mesh or grid structure may have a densityof approximately 7.85 g/cm³, and may contain approximately 0.05% to 0.3%carbon measured by weight. The problem of shadowing or “ghosting” may beunderstood with reference to a non-limiting example of the screening ofdense magazines and newspapers destined for passenger aircraft.Screening companies could not prove to the appropriate authority thatthey could see through the magazines and paperwork. Indeed, whenexamined with only partial grid or mesh structures placed adjacentpackages, containers, and the like containing such dense items, X-rayimaging results indicated the existence of a full grid or meshstructure. In other words, as previously mentioned, the X-ray imagingresults were shadowing or “ghosting” the remainder of the non-existinggrid, thus rendering scan and/or penetration results ambiguous andinconclusive. Such ghost images may extend from the edges of one or moregrid elements aligned at least substantially parallel to the directionof travel, and may appear superimposed over a dense item in thegenerated image.

From a practical perspective, the shadowing or “ghosting” should beunderstood to exist at least in part due to the relative orientation ofthe grid elements formed within such mesh or grid structures 150. Forexample, where such are aligned substantially parallel to the directionof travel of an item 10, a ghosted image may appear to include anextension of the mesh or grid structure such that a radiopaque objectwithin the scanned item is obscured. A solution is to orient the gridelements within the grid or mesh structures other than at 0 or 90 degreeangles relative to the direction of travel of the package. An optimalangle is at least substantially 45 degrees, although angles in ranges of+1-15 degrees relative to a 45 degree angle may be beneficial as well.Still other angular orientations may provide accurate results forparticular applications. As previously noted, such angles relative tothe direction of travel may be achieved utilizing an XPG having a firstplurality of grid members 152 and second plurality of grid members 153oriented such that angles α and β between the grid members and the frame151 are at least substantially 45 degrees. Such XPG may be placed suchthat a first side of the frame is at least substantially parallel to thedirection of travel.

The impact of ghosted images may be mitigated or substantially preventedwhen the XPG is oriented such that the first plurality of grid members152 and second plurality of grid members 153 are neither parallel norperpendicular to the direction of travel (e.g., at substantially 45degrees to the direction of travel), such that the edges of the gridmembers 152, 153 are not substantially parallel to the direction oftravel. As a non-limiting example, when the XPG is oriented such thatthe first plurality of grid members 152 and second plurality of gridmembers 153 are not parallel to the direction of travel (e.g., atsubstantially 45 degrees to the direction of travel), ghosted images ofthe grid or mesh structure are substantially, and in certain embodimentsentirely, eliminated such that virtually no ghosted images are visiblein the generated image. Moreover, in various circumstances, ghosting maybe minimized or substantially prevented by orienting grid members 152,153 such that they are neither parallel nor perpendicular to thedirection of travel. Such orientation ensures no edges of grid elements152, 153 are at least substantially parallel to the direction of travel,and therefore the resulting image does not comprise ghost imagesresembling extensions of one or more grid elements. By orienting thegrid members 152, 153 such that they are neither parallel norperpendicular to the direction of travel, any potential ghost imagesthat may result from moving the item and XPG to the scanning locationmay be minimized or substantially prevented.

Orientation of an XPG Relative to an X-Ray Scanning Device

FIGS. 5A and 5B to FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate schematic diagrams ofexemplary methods of using an XPG according to various embodiments ofthe present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5A, an XPG 150 may be utilized with an X-ray scanningdevice 140 utilizing an X-ray emitter 142 located above a conveyingmechanism 141 according to various embodiments of the present invention.As illustrated in FIG. 5A, X-ray radiation (electromagnetic waves) 145may be emitted from the X-ray emitter 142 and received by a detector143. Although illustrated as a single component, the detector 143 maycomprise a detector array comprising multiple detectors each comprisinga conversion layer configured for receiving X-ray radiation andconverting the received radiation into visible signals corresponding tothe relative intensities of the received radiation. Thus, the X-rayscanning device 140 may be configured to scan one or more items 10 whilethe item is being propelled by the conveying mechanism 141. Althoughillustrated as a conveyor belt, the conveying mechanism may comprise anyof a plurality of conveying mechanisms, such as, for example, a slide,chute, bottle conveyor, open or enclosed track conveyor, I-beamconveyor, cleated conveyor, and/or the like.

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary visual display 600 of the item 10arranged on the XPG 150 being scanned. As illustrated therein, as leasta portion of the grid or mesh structure located directly adjacent (e.g.,above or below) the item 10 being scanned is still visible in the visualdisplay 600. However, if a particularly dense object is contained withinthe item 10, the portion of grid or mesh structure located adjacent thedense object would not be visible in the visible display 600.

Referring again to FIG. 5A, in order to utilize the XPG 150, the XPG isoriented such that at least one side of the frame is parallel to thedirection of travel of the conveying mechanism 141. Consequently, thefirst plurality of grid members 152 and second plurality of grid members153 are oriented at an angle with respect to the direction of travelother than 90 degrees or 0 degrees (e.g., at least substantially 45degrees). An item 10 to be scanned is placed such that the radiation 145will pass through both the item and the XPG 150 before being received bythe detector 143. As a non-limiting example, the item 10 may be placedon top of the XPG 150.

FIGS. 6A and 7A illustrate schematic diagrams of an item 10 beingscanned by an X-ray scanning device 140 having an alternativeconfiguration. Specifically, the X-ray emitter 142 shown in FIGS. 6A and7A is located on a first side of the X-ray scanning device 140 and emitsX-ray radiation 145 in a direction perpendicular to the direction oftravel of the item 10. As shown in FIG. 6A, an XPG assembly 550 may beutilized such that at least one of the first grid portion 551 and secondgrid portion 552 is visible in the visible display 600. In variousembodiments, each of the first grid portion 551 and second grid portion552 may have a configuration substantially similar to XPG 150.

Referring now to FIG. 6A and the corresponding FIG. 6B, whichillustrates an exemplary visual display 600 corresponding to a scanneditem 10 having an orientation shown in FIG. 6A; at least a portion ofthe scanned item (located between radiation line 145 a and radiationline 145 b) is scanned without a corresponding portion of the XPG 550.Only the portion of the item 10 located between radiation line 145 b and145 c (illustrated as portion 600 b in FIG. 6B) is scanned with acorresponding portion of the XPG assembly 550 usable as a reference.Consequently, the XPG 550 does not provide a reference for determiningwhether an item was scanned throughout the entire depth of the item 10over the portion of the item located between radiation line 145 a andradiation line 145 b (illustrated as portion 600 a in FIG. 6B). Thus, adense object located within this portion of the item 10 may not beidentified by personnel operating the X-ray scanning device 140.

Referring now to FIG. 7A and the corresponding FIG. 7B, whichillustrates an exemplary visual display 600 corresponding to a scanneditem 10 having an orientation shown in FIG. 7A; the entirety of the itemis scanned with a corresponding portion of the XPG assembly 550 usableas a reference. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, at least a portion of the XPGassembly 550 may be used as a reference for the entirety of the scanneditem 10.

FIGS. 8A and 9A illustrate exemplary schematic diagrams of an item 10being scanned by an X-ray scanning device 140 having yet anotherconfiguration. Specifically, the X-ray emitter 142 shown in FIGS. 8A and9A is located above the item to be scanned 10 and on a first side of theitem to be scanned.

Referring now to FIG. 8A and the corresponding FIG. 8B, whichillustrates an exemplary visual display 600 corresponding to a scanneditem 10 having an orientation shown in FIG. 8A; at least a portion ofthe scanned item (located between radiation line 145 a and radiationline 145 b) is scanned without a corresponding portion of the XPGassembly 550 usable as a reference, and at least a portion of thescanned item (located between radiation line 145 c and 145 d is scannedwith two corresponding portions of the XPG such that the scanned area isobscured by the XPG. Only the portion of the item 10 between radiationline 145 b and radiation line 145 c (illustrated as portion 600 b inFIG. 8A) is scanned with a single portion of the XPG assembly 550 usableas a reference. A dense object located in the portion of the item 10between radiation line 145 a and radiation line 145 b (illustrated asportion 600 a in FIG. 8B) may not be identified by personnel operatingthe X-ray scanning device 140. A dense object located in the portion ofthe item 10 between radiation line 145 c and radiation line 145 d(illustrated as portion 600 c in FIG. 8B) may be obscured by the twoportions of the XPG 550 through which the radiation passes between theX-ray emitter 142 and the detector 143.

Referring now to FIG. 9A and the corresponding FIG. 9B, whichillustrates an exemplary visual display 600 corresponding to a scanneditem 10 having an orientation shown in FIG. 9A; the entirety of the itemis scanned with a single corresponding portion of the XPG assembly 550usable as a reference. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, at least a portion ofthe XPG assembly 550 may be used as a reference for the entirety of thescanned item 10.

Method of Use

FIG. 10A illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method of using an XPG150 (or XPG assembly 550) according to various embodiments. As showntherein, the method begins at block 1001, wherein the item 10 and XPG150 (or XPG assembly 550) is oriented relative to a conveying mechanism141 such that the grid members 152, 153 are not parallel to thedirection of travel of the conveying mechanism 141. As previously noted,the item 10 may be oriented relative the XPG 150 (or XPG assembly 550)such that radiation from the X-ray emitter 142 passes through both theitem and XPG before reaching the detector. Preferably, the item 10 isarranged relative to the XPG 150 (or XPG assembly 550) such thatradiation 145 cannot travel through any portion of the item without alsopassing through the XPG. Thus, the XPG 150 (or XPG assembly 550) may beused as a scan depth reference over the entirety of the scanned item 10.

Referring again to FIG. 10A, the item 10 and XPG 150 (or XPG assembly550) is conveyed into the X-ray scanning device 140 at block 1002. Theconveying mechanism 141 may be configured to propel an item 10 and XPG150 (or XPG assembly 550) at a velocity such that the X-ray scannerdevice 140 may record multiple scans of each item while the item iswithin the X-ray scanner device. As a non-limiting example, the X-rayscanner device 140 may be configured to scan a plurality of slices ofeach item 10. Each successive slice may be at least substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of travel, and may be scanned as aportion of the item 10 is propelled through a scanning area. In variousembodiments, the conveying mechanism 141 may operate continuously at aparticular velocity, or it may be configured to temporarily stop movingwhile the X-ray scanner device 140 scans each item 10. While the item 10and XPG 150 (or XPG assembly 550) are located within the X-ray scanningdevice 140, the X-ray emitter 142 emits X-ray radiation 145 through theitem 10 and XPG 150 (or XPG assembly 550). In various embodiments, theX-ray emitter 142 may be operating constantly while the X-ray scannerdevice 140 is operating, such that the X-ray emitter 142 emits pulses ofradiation to create X-ray images at least periodically (e.g., every 10seconds, every 5 seconds, every second, every 500 milliseconds, every250 milliseconds, every 100 milliseconds, every 10 milliseconds, and/orthe like).

The radiation 145 emitted by the X-ray emitter 142 is received by thedetector 143 at block 1004. At block 1005 the detector 143 determinesthe relative intensity of the radiation 145 received at each of aplurality of locations on the surface of the detector 143. The relativeintensity of the radiation 145 received at each of the plurality oflocations may be indicative of the location of various objects havingdiffering densities within the item 10. The grid members 152, 153 of theXPG 150 (or XPG assembly 550) may be radiopaque, such that the detector143 may detect a negligible or nonexistent intensity of radiation 145 atlocations corresponding to the grid members. As a result, the relativeintensity of the radiation 145 received by the detector 143 may beindicative of a radiopaque grid or mesh structure in addition to anyradiation passed through the spaces in the grid or mesh structure of theXPG 150 (or XPG assembly 550).

At block 1006, the intensity data indicative of the relative intensityof the radiation 145 received by the detector 143 is generated. Invarious embodiments, the intensity data may be transmitted via one ormore networks 130 to one or more central computing devices 110, thecentral server 200, one or more mobile devices 300, and/or one or moredistributed computing devices 120.

As previously indicated, the detector 143 may trap a portion of theradiation 145 received from a previous emission 42 within the detectorsuch that the radiation does not dissipate prior to receiving asubsequent emission of radiation. As a result, the intensity datagenerated based at least in part on the relative intensity of theradiation 145 received by the detector 143 may be amplified due to thetrapped radiation present in the detector. As a simplified, non-limitingexample, as a result of a first radiation emission by the X-ray emitter142, the detector 143 determines that no items are placed on an XPG 150(or XPG assembly 550). The intensity data generated by the detector 143indicates that no radiation was received at locations corresponding tothe radiopaque grid members 152, 153, and a maximum amount of radiationwas received at all other locations (e.g., locations corresponding tothe spaces between grid members). As a result of a second radiationemission by the X-ray emitter 142 occurring immediately following thefirst radiation emission (e.g., before the detector response generatedbased on the first emission fully decays), the detector 143 receivesradiation with relative intensities indicative of a radiopaque objectlocated on an XPG 150 (or XPG assembly 550). Therefore, at all locationscorresponding to the radiopaque object, the detector receivessubstantially no radiation 145. However, because the previous detectorresponse had not fully decayed, the generated intensity datacorresponding to the second emission indicates that “ghost” radiationwas received at all locations corresponding to the spaces between gridmembers 152, 153, including those detector locations also correspondingto the location of the radiopaque object. As a result, the intensitydata may appear to indicate that the radiopaque object allowed a smallamount of radiation 145 to pass there-through.

Although the previously presented example simplifies the process ofreceiving radiation 145 and generating intensity data including ghostradiation as the conveying mechanism 141 propels an item 10 and XPG 150(or XPG assembly 550) into the X-ray scanning device 140, each of theplurality of locations of the detector 143 may receive varyingintensities of radiation 145. Therefore, where an item 10 is orientedsuch that a volume of low density (allowing a higher intensity ofradiation 145 to pass through the low density volume) is locateddownstream from a radiopaque volume, the ghosting phenomenon may impactthe resulting intensity data corresponding to an emission passingthrough the radiopaque volume.

FIG. 10B illustrates a schematic diagram of the various modules 400-450.In particular, FIG. 10B illustrates the relationship between the visualmodule 400, the analysis module 425, and the notification module 450. Invarious embodiments, the various modules 400-450 may facilitateimplementation of various steps illustrated in FIG. 10A and describedherein.

In various embodiments, the visual module 400 of the central server 200may comprise a visual conversion tool 402 configured to convert theintensity data 401 received for each X-ray image into visible data 403for each X-ray image comprising visible signals to be displayed via adisplay device at block 1007 of FIG. 10A. However, as will be understoodby one skilled in the art, any of a variety of computing devices may beconfigured to convert the intensity data into visible signals. Theresulting visible signals are displayed via a display device at block1008.

As illustrated in FIG. 10B, the visual module 400 may transmit thevisible data 403 to the analysis module 425 for additional processing.The analysis module 425 may be configured to identify the presence ofghost radiation signals in the visible data 403 for each X-ray image. Asa non-limiting example, the analysis module 425 may comprise a ghostanalysis tool 426 configured to generate ghost presence data 427indicative of the presence of ghost signals in the X-ray image.

Because the grid members 152, 153 are not parallel to the direction oftravel, no ghosted images may be present in the intensity data. However,where at least one grid member is oriented such that at least one edgeof the radiopaque grid member is substantially parallel to the directionof travel, ghosted images may appear in the visible data 403. Therefore,the orientation of the grid members 152, 153 relative to the directionof travel may facilitate the identification of radiopaque objects withinscanned items 10. As a non-limiting example, the analysis module 425 maybe configured to identify radiopaque objects within an X-ray image basedupon the presence of ghost grid lines appearing over a portion of theX-ray image. In various embodiments, upon a determination that ghostsignals are present within the X-ray image, the analysis module 425 maybe configured to transmit the ghost presence data to the notificationmodule 450. The notification module 450 may comprise a notificationgeneration tool 451 configured to generate and transmit one or morenotifications 452 to relevant personnel indicative of the existence ofghost presence data 427 in an X-ray image. As a non-limiting example,the notification module 450 may be configured to illuminate an indicatorlight located proximate to a visual display configured to displaying theX-ray image data, or to display a notification message on the visualdisplay. In response to receiving such notification, personnelmonitoring the X-ray scanner device 140 may perform additional secondaryscreening on the item 10 in question. For example, such secondaryscreening may comprise reorienting the item 10 for an additional scanutilizing the X-ray scanner device 140, unpacking the item for a handsearch of the contents of the item, and/or the like.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. An X-ray detector system for determining thecontents of an item, the system comprising: an X-ray emitter configuredfor emitting X-ray radiation, wherein the X-ray emitter is located on afirst side of the X-ray scanning device such that X-ray radiation isemitted in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of theitem; a detector comprising a receiving surface, the detector configuredto receive the X-ray radiation and to generate one or more intensitysignals indicative of an intensity of the received X-ray radiation ateach of a plurality of locations on the receiving surface; an X-raypenetration grid comprising a first grid structure comprising: a framecomprising a first, second, third and fourth side; wherein: the framecomprises four or more handles located near a center point of saidfirst, second, third and fourth sides; and at least one side oriented ina first primary direction; a first plurality of parallel grid memberseach having a first end and a second end; and a second plurality ofparallel grid members each having a first end and a second end; wherein:the first end and the second end of each of the first plurality ofparallel grid members intersect the at least one side at an angle; thefirst end and the second end of each of the second plurality of parallelgrid members intersect the at least one side at an angle; and aconveying mechanism configured for conveying the item and the X-raypenetration grid in a second primary direction, said second primarydirection being substantially the same as the first primary direction.2. The X-ray detector system of claim 1, further comprising a usersystem comprising one or more memory and one or more processors, theuser system configured to: receive, via the one or more processors, theone or more intensity signals; and cause, via a display device, displayof the intensity signals.
 3. The X-ray detector system of claim 2,wherein the displayed intensity signals further comprise: signalsindicative of a current location of the item; and ghost signalsindicative of ghosted images extending at least substantially parallelto said second primary direction.
 4. The X-ray detector system of claim3, further configured to generate, via the one or more processors, oneor more notifications indicating the presence of ghost signals.
 5. TheX-ray detector system of claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality ofparallel grid members is continuous and each of the second plurality ofparallel grid members is continuous.
 6. The X-ray detector system ofclaim 1, wherein the angle at which the first end of each of the firstplurality of parallel grid members intersects the perimeter is between30 degrees and 55 degrees.
 7. The X-ray detector system of claim 6,wherein the angle at which the first end of each of the first pluralityof parallel grid members intersects the perimeter is 45 degrees.
 8. TheX-ray detector system of claim 1, wherein each of the second pluralityof parallel grid members is discontinuous.
 9. The X-ray detector systemof claim 1, wherein: the first plurality of parallel grid members arespaced having at least substantially equivalent distances there-between;and the second plurality of parallel grid members are spaced having atleast substantially equivalent distances there-between.
 10. The X-raydetector system of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of parallel gridmembers and second plurality of parallel grid members are radiopaque.11. The X-ray detector system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the X-rayradiation passes through the item, and the portion of the X-rayradiation that passes through the item also passes through the X-raypenetration grid.
 12. The X-ray detector system of claim 1, wherein thex-ray penetration grid further comprises a second grid structurecomprising: at least one side oriented in a first primary direction; athird plurality of parallel grid members each having a first end and asecond end; and a fourth plurality of parallel grid members each havinga first end and a second end, wherein: the first end and the second endof each of the third plurality of parallel grid members intersect the atleast one side of the second grid structure at an angle such that thethird plurality of parallel grid members are neither parallel norperpendicular to the at least one side of the second grid structure; thefirst end and the second end of each of the fourth plurality of parallelgrid members intersect the at least one side of the second gridstructure at an angle such that the fourth plurality of parallel gridmembers are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the at least one sideof the second grid structure; the first grid structure lies in a firstplane; and the second grid structure lies in a second plane, the secondplane being perpendicular to the first plane.
 13. The X-ray detectorsystem of claim 1, wherein a perimeter surrounds the X-ray penetrationgrid, the perimeter being defined, in part, by the at least one side.14. A computer implemented method for scanning an item, the methodcomprising steps for: receiving, via a processor, one or more firstintensity signals indicative of a first intensity of X-ray radiationreceived at each of a plurality of locations at a first scan time on adetector, wherein: the detector is configured to receive X-ray radiationfrom an X-ray emitter; the X-ray radiation is emitted from the X-rayemitter and at least a portion of the X-ray radiation passes through theitem and an X-ray penetration grid: the X-ray penetration grid comprisesa first grid structure comprising: at least one side oriented in a firstprimary direction; a first plurality of parallel grid members eachhaving a first end and a second end; and a second plurality of parallelgrid members each having a first end and a second end; wherein: thefirst end and the second end of each of the first plurality of parallelgrid members intersect the at least one side at an angle; and the firstend and the second end of each of the second plurality of parallel gridmembers intersect the at least one side at an; and the item and theX-ray penetration grid are propelled in a second primary direction, saidsecond primary direction being substantially the same as the firstprimary direction; causing, via a display device, display of the one ormore first intensity signals indicative of a first intensity of X-rayradiation; receiving, via the processor, one or more second intensitysignals indicative of one or more ghosted images extending from an edgeof the item; and identifying, via the one or more processors, thepresence of a radiation ghost based at least in part on the secondintensity signals.
 15. The computer implemented method for scanning anitem of claim 14, wherein a first portion of the X-ray radiation passesthrough the item, and the first portion of the X-ray radiation thatpasses through the item also passes through the X-ray penetration grid.16. The computer implemented method for scanning an item of claim 14,further comprising steps for generating, via the one or more processors,a notification indicating the item requires additional processing todetermine the item's contents.
 17. The computer implemented method forscanning an item of claim 14, wherein the angle at which the first endof each of the first plurality of parallel grid members intersects theperimeter is between 30 degrees and 55 degrees.
 18. The computerimplemented method for scanning an item of claim 14, wherein the firstplurality of parallel grid members and second plurality of parallel gridmembers are radiopaque.
 19. The computer implemented method for scanningan item of claim 14, wherein a portion of the X-ray radiation passesthrough the item, and the portion of the X-ray radiation that passesthrough the item also passes through the X-ray penetration grid.
 20. Thecomputer implemented method for scanning an item of claim 14, wherein:the x-ray penetration grid further comprises: a second grid structurecomprising: at least one side oriented in a first primary direction; athird plurality of parallel grid members each having a first end and asecond end; and a fourth plurality of parallel grid members each havinga first end and a second end; wherein: the first end and the second endof each of the third plurality of parallel grid members intersect the atleast one side of the second grid structure at an angle such that thethird plurality of parallel grid members are neither parallel norperpendicular to the at least one side of the second grid structure; thefirst end and the second end of each of the fourth plurality of parallelgrid members intersect the at least one side of the second gridstructure at an angle such that the fourth plurality of parallel gridmembers are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the at least one sideof the second grid structure; and the first grid structure lies in afirst plane; and the second grid structure lies in a second plane, thesecond plane being perpendicular to the first plane; and a secondportion of the X-ray radiation passes through the item and the secondgrid structure before being received by the detector such that thesecond portion of the X-ray radiation does not pass through the firstgrid structure.